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Living roots enhance the decomposition of dead roots rather than native organic matter in rice soils

 Living roots play a pivotal role in accelerating the decomposition of dead roots in rice soils, primarily through the stimulation of microbial activity in the rhizosphere. As living roots release exudates rich in carbon and enzymes, they create biologically active microsites that promote the breakdown of recently added organic residues rather than older, more stable native soil organic matter. This “priming effect” enhances nutrient mineralization from dead roots, improving nitrogen and carbon cycling within the soil–plant system. In rice-based ecosystems, where periodic flooding and anaerobic conditions often slow decomposition, the presence of active root systems significantly boosts microbial processes and promotes more efficient turnover of fresh organic inputs. Consequently, living roots act as catalysts for residue decomposition, supporting soil fertility, nutrient availability, and overall sustainability in rice production systems. Hashtags #RiceSoils #RootDecomposition #...

Organic Fertilizer Substitution Modulates Soil Properties and Microbial Communities in a Vegetable–Earthworm Co-Cultivation System

  Organic fertilizer substitution plays a transformative role in enhancing soil health within vegetable–earthworm co-cultivation systems. Replacing a portion of chemical fertilizers with high-quality organic inputs improves soil physicochemical properties—such as nutrient availability, organic matter content, and moisture retention—creating a more balanced and resilient soil environment. The presence of earthworms further accelerates nutrient mineralization and enhances soil aggregation, resulting in improved aeration and structure. These combined practices stimulate beneficial microbial communities, increasing microbial diversity, enzymatic activities, and functional groups associated with nutrient cycling. As a result, the vegetable–earthworm co-cultivation system becomes more ecologically stable, resource-efficient, and productive, reducing environmental impacts while promoting sustainable agricultural development. Hashtags #OrganicFertilizer #SoilHealth #SustainableAgriculture...

Role of Plant Growth-Promoting Microorganisms in Sustainable Agriculture

 Plant Growth-Promoting Microorganisms (PGPMs) play a crucial role in advancing sustainable agriculture by enhancing soil fertility, boosting crop productivity, and reducing reliance on chemical inputs. These beneficial microbes—including nitrogen-fixing bacteria, phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, mycorrhizal fungi, and plant growth–promoting rhizobacteria—improve nutrient availability through biological processes that convert inaccessible soil nutrients into plant-usable forms. PGPMs also stimulate plant hormone production, strengthen root architecture, and enhance stress tolerance under drought, salinity, and pathogen pressure. By improving soil structure, increasing organic matter turnover, and suppressing harmful microorganisms through natural biocontrol mechanisms, PGPMs support long-term soil health and resilient cropping systems. Their integration into modern farming reduces environmental pollution, lowers production costs, and aligns with climate-smart agricultural strategie...

Soil amendments alleviate continuous cropping obstacles in soybean by enhancing microbial resistance

 Soil amendments play a pivotal role in overcoming continuous cropping obstacles in soybean systems by restoring soil health, boosting nutrient cycling, and strengthening the resilience of microbial communities. Continuous soybean cultivation often leads to soil fatigue, nutrient depletion, and an imbalance of beneficial and pathogenic microbes. By incorporating amendments such as organic compost, biochar, manure, and mineral conditioners, farmers can stimulate beneficial microbial activity, enhance soil enzyme functions, and suppress harmful pathogens. These amendments improve soil structure, increase organic matter, and create a more stable rhizosphere environment, allowing soybeans to better withstand stress. Strengthening microbial resistance not only reduces disease incidence but also promotes root vigor, nitrogen fixation efficiency, and overall plant productivity. Ultimately, soil amendment strategies serve as a sustainable and nature-based solution to revitalizing degraded ...

Competitive Adsorption Between Phosphate and Dissolved Organic Carbon in Iron-Rich Soils

 Competitive adsorption between phosphate and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in iron-rich soils plays a crucial role in regulating nutrient availability, soil fertility, and biogeochemical processes. In these environments, iron oxides provide abundant reactive surfaces that strongly bind both phosphate and DOC, often leading to competition for adsorption sites. This interaction influences phosphorus mobility, potentially reducing its availability for plant uptake when DOC occupies key sorption sites. Conversely, phosphate can displace weakly bound organic molecules, altering carbon stabilization and microbial activity. The extent of competition is governed by soil pH, redox conditions, DOC composition, and the crystallinity of iron minerals. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for improving phosphorus management in agricultural systems, predicting carbon cycling under changing environmental conditions, and developing strategies that enhance nutrient-use efficiency while pre...

Maximizing Nitrogen Fixation in Legumes as a Tool for Sustainable Agriculture Intensification

 Maximizing nitrogen fixation in legumes presents a powerful and eco-efficient strategy to support sustainable agricultural intensification. Legume–rhizobia symbiosis naturally enriches soils with biologically fixed nitrogen, reducing dependency on synthetic fertilizers and lowering production costs for farmers. By adopting improved legume varieties, optimizing soil pH and organic matter, and ensuring adequate phosphorus and micronutrient availability, nitrogen-fixation efficiency can be significantly enhanced. Integrating legumes into crop rotations, intercropping systems, and conservation agriculture practices not only boosts soil fertility but also strengthens resilience against climate stresses. These approaches contribute to higher crop productivity, enhanced soil health, and reduced environmental footprints, making nitrogen-fixing legumes a cornerstone of sustainable and climate-smart farming systems. #NitrogenFixation #LegumesInAgriculture #SustainableIntensification #SoilH...

Optimizing the allocation of flood control investments for effective disaster risk reduction

 Optimizing the allocation of flood control investments is essential for strengthening disaster risk reduction in vulnerable regions. By integrating hydrological modeling, geospatial analysis, and socio-economic vulnerability assessments, decision-makers can prioritize interventions such as levee reinforcement, watershed restoration, and early-warning systems where they deliver the highest impact. Efficient investment planning not only reduces potential flood damages but also enhances community resilience, safeguards critical infrastructure, and supports long-term climate adaptation strategies. A balanced approach that considers cost-effectiveness, local risk profiles, and sustainable ecosystem-based solutions ensures that every unit of investment contributes meaningfully to minimizing disaster risks and promoting safer, more resilient landscapes. Hashtags: #FloodControl #DisasterRiskReduction #ClimateResilience #RiskAssessment #HydrologicalModeling #InfrastructurePlanning #Susta...